CLEP FAQs

How do I know what tests to take?

Harper College offers all CLEP tests (those with essays need prior arrangement made
in the Testing Office). Students that wish to use CLEP for credit at Harper must reference
attached list. If you are a Harper student planning on transferring to a four-year
college, contact the school(s) you are interested in to determine policies on awarding
transfer credit for CLEP examinations. Do not assume your credit will automatically
transfer. If you are unsure about your background in a subject, see The Official Handbook
for the CLEP Examinations for an overview of the material covered in each test. Study
guides can also be found online at www.collegeboard.org/clep

When should I take a test for college credit?

You should take the exam when you are fully prepared. In order to retake a CLEP exam,
you must wait at least six months between attempts. The six month retake policy is
strictly enforced.

If you are planning on using the results of the CLEP exam for course registration
at Harper College, please note that the process of receiving official results from
CLEP, and posting the credit to your account can take several weeks to complete. You
will receive an unofficial score report for most CLEP exams as soon as you finish,
but credit cannot be awarded until CLEP sends the official report to the college.

The Harper test schedule doesn't fit my needs. Can I take the test somewhere else?

CLEP testing is offered Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings by appointment only
(limited seating). Check-in time is between 8:30am and 9:00am. Most CLEP tests are
90 minutes and a maximum of two tests per session is allowed.

How much credit can I get for one test?

The amount of credit Harper College grants for each CLEP test is listed on the attached
page and on the web site.

What is the maximum number of credit hours I can earn through CLEP testing?

At Harper College, no more than one-half the requirements for certificate programs
may be earned through credit by examination. However, 42 credit hours is the maximum
that can be applied toward graduation.

Will the test scores affect my college grade point average?

If you score high enough to earn credit, you will receive credit with no grade. CLEP
credit is not figured into your GPA. If you do not score high enough, nothing is put
on your college transcript indicating failure.

How is the test administered?

The CLEP test is a computer-based exam.

How can I prepare myself before taking a CLEP test?

CLEP tests are designed for people who feel they are already knowledgeable in a specific
subject. If you need credit in a subject in order to graduate, but have no previous
experience or knowledge of the subject, it is generally not recommended you try to
teach yourself enough "from scratch" to pass a CLEP test. You are better off taking
the course you need.

If you have experience or knowledge in a subject area and would like to "brush up"
a bit before taking a CLEP test, you should first consult The Official Handbook for
the CLEP Examinations as well as the study guides on-line. This book gives you an
outline of the content of each CLEP test and suggestions for texts and review materials.
The Harper College bookstore may carry this publication. Various commercial publishers
also sell CLEP study guides. We cannot recommend which of these are best. Before spending
your money, check your local library.

May I use a calculator?

Some CLEP exams will allow the use of a calculator; however, the calculator is built
into the exam software. Students may NOT use any external calculators. If you request
it, scratch paper can be provided by the Testing Center

I still have a question. Who can I talk to?

If you've read all the attached information carefully, but still have a question,
call the Harper College Assessment and Testing Center, Building A, Room A148, 847.925.6541.
We'll be happy to try to help you. If your question concerns the policies of another
school or institution, you should contact them directly.